Malaria is an infectious, life-threatening parasitic disease that continues to be a pressing global health concern as it is most prevalent in hot tropical and populous countries like India. In 2019, the WHO recorded a surprising 229 million malaria cases worldwide.
As scary as it sounds, malaria is quite treatable when immediately attended to, and preventing it won’t cost you a fortune either…
1. Medication
Prompt diagnosis and treatment for malaria facilitate faster recovery. Depending on the parasite involved, doctors usually prescribe various antimalarial drugs like quinine, atovaquone, or chloroquine for specific periods.
Bigger measures ought to bring greater results…
2. Seek Therapy
Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is widely considered the best treatment for malaria patients. This particular treatment seeks to destroy traces of malaria-causing parasites to avoid complications or death.
Healthy eating can make all the difference…
3. Eat A Healthier Diet
Maintaining fluid balance is especially important for malaria patients. Avoid fried/fatty foods and opt for more dairy, whole grains, stewed fish or chicken, vegetables, and sweet fruits like pineapples, oranges, grapes, limes, or kiwis to detoxify the body.
Even a mundane house item can do wonders…
4. Home Remedies
In some cultures, people with malaria often drink juices mixed with certain spices like cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric, all of which have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that fight bacteria and relieve some symptoms.
You can also detoxify outside your body…
5. Clean Surroundings
Mosquitoes often breed in damp and dirty areas, so make sure to regularly sweep and clean your surroundings, unclog your gutters and drains, and dispose of stagnant water from things like exposed buckets, flower vases, or tires.
A layer of protection shields you as you go about and grind…
6. Apply Protective Lotions
Before you go outside, make sure to apply mosquito repellent lotions, gels, or creams made with diethyltoluamide on your arms and legs to prevent mosquito bites. Using essential oils made from lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus helps too.
Extend the same protection to your home…
7. Use Insect Repellent Sprays
Make sure to regularly douse the corners of your home with insect sprays that contain permethrin, which can also sanitize clothing, tents, sleeping bags, and other fabrics without damaging them.
Did you know you can make a literal safety net?
8. Set Up Mosquito Nets
Many families often put up mosquito netting over beds to protect themselves from mosquito bites as they sleep. Choose nets made from polyester or cotton as they protect against dust and offer optimal comfort to the skin.
Filter in what comes through the door…
9. Put Screens On Windows/Doors
Installing screens on windows and doors (screen doors) is quite popular among Asian homes. It prevents insects and dust particles from coming inside. These can be made of woven polyester, cotton, nylon, or steel wire.
If you’re sleeve-shy, this next tip is definitely for you…
10. Cover Your Skin
Wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts (jackets and sweaters work too) to cover your skin helps prevent mosquito bites. But sometimes, mosquitoes can still bite through thin and tight-fitting fabrics, so make sure to wear looser and thicker clothing.
